Kurt Angle vs. Bobby Roode cage match - If Angle loses, he can never go into the TNA Hall of Fame

Bully Ray vs. Ken Anderson

Sting vs. Ethan Carter III

Gail Kim vs. Madison Rayne for Knockouts title

James Storm vs. Gunner pole match with the TNA title match briefcase at stake

Everything you would want to know about the WWE Network is the lead story in the new issue of the Wrestling Observer Newsletter on the site today. The newsletter also looks at AAA coming to the U.S., the life and times of Mae Young and UFC Fight Pass, as well as updates on a lot of WWE deal negotiations.

We look at how the WWE Network and upcoming TV rights negotiations change the entire nature of the WWE business in the lead story. We look at the presentation of the WWE Network, comparisons with UFC Fight Pass, how they are the same, how they are different, the affect on the PPV business, how much money they are projected to profit based on different levels of subscribers, what is break even, where it will be available, both devices and what countries, and comparisons with similar things to determine how reasonable expectations are.

We look at the business decision, the economics and exposure of wrestling. We look at comparing ratings and expected purchasers. We look at the original idea of a WWE channel from a dozen years ago and it's different changes in direction, what will and won't be on the station, a look at the different programming, shows that are being talked about. We also look at the questions cable companies and satellite providers are faced with, the economics of UFC following suit, DirecTV's response, who cable companies found out about this, revenue splits, different fan bases being attempted to engage, the first live network TV special, advertising, how the talent is affected and what they have been told,does this change the nature and value of PPV shows and much more.

We also look at AAA's attempt to break into the North American market. We look at who is behind the project, comments from Mark Burnett, how this will differ from traditional Lucha Libre, as well as the history of AAA in the U.S. market and availability of the El Rey Network.

We also look at GSP's comments regarding UFC drug testing and it being a key reason why he decided to step away from the promotion.

We look at the life and times of Mae Young, both her original career and second career in WWE, how the women she wrestled with viewed it, how she was viewed as a wrestler during her prime.

We also look at Daniel Bryan's babyface turn and the story behind it, where the Yes chants come from, when they were first acknowledged, Bryan's concussion and notes on it, Ultimate Warrior in Hall of Fame and the background on him and his career, as well as what led to his issues with Vince McMahon. We have an update on Hulk Hogan's return to WWE, how long the Batista deal has been in the works, as well as updates on several more major stars regarding talks for WrestleMania.

We also have ticket sale updates for Mania, Ric Flair update and his being at UFC, notes on Chris Jericho, Jim Ross, Dolph Ziggler, Bruno Sammartino, WWE stock, Stephanie McMahon selling stock, the Ryback/Titus O'Neil story, Paul Heyman DVD, update on Jake Roberts, preparing for a WWE tryout, WWE star in a movie, plus business notes from the past week and highlights from all the weekend house shows.

We also look at UFC's first offering on Fight Pass, and how it did, as well as who showed potential.

The Wrestling Observer ranges weekly from 35,000 to 50,000 words covering pro wrestling and MMA internationally. Each issue has coverage and analysis of all the major news, plus every issue breaks major news stories before the Internet sties and has the most complete look at the pro wrestling and MMA business anywhere, plus history pieces available nowhere else.

The Observer is now in its 31st year of being the leading insider pro wrestling publication in the world. The biggest and most influential names in the pro wrestling and MMA industry, from bookers to promoters to Hall of Fame wrestlers and fighters to the biggest names on camera and behind the scenes, along with thousands of readers in all 50 states and more than 30 countries subscribe. Many have subscribed for 20 years or longer consecutively. They get the most detailed and inside coverage of what is going on all over the world. Everywhere from Wall Street to the major offices to television networks in the U.S. and Japan turn to the Observer for what is going on in the business.

You can also subscribe via check, cash or money order, as well as credit card by mail, by sending to Wrestling Observer Newsletter, P.O. ox 1228, Campbell, CA 95009-1228.

We also have a look at the ratings of all the major shows.

We also have results from all the major league arena events over the past week as well as a look at all the major television shows.

Also in this week's issue:

--Notes on the El Dandy retirement tour

--The latest from Arena Mexico

--The best older wrestler in the world and perhaps the greatest Mexican wrestler ever

--A look at AAA first few TV tapings of the year

--Indie names AAA is after

--Dragon Gate's first major matches of the year

--Dragon Gate's big show schedule for the next eight months

--Tokyo Dome rating

--New Japan talks running in the U.S. i 2014

--A look at the first Fantastica Mania show

--More on the recent arm wrestling TV show in Japan that featured wrestlers, MMA fighters and other athletes

--Father-and-son team sells out Korakuen Hall

--Matt Morgan retirement of sorts

--Evolve's big weekend

--Wrestling museum nearly floods

--WWE stars appear at WWC's first big shows of the year

--Update on Roderick Strong

--Update on Jeff Jarrett

--More on Toby Keith's negotiations to buy TNA

--Original plans for A.J. Styles

--Jesse Sorensen talks his departure from TNA

--The role on John Gabruck in TNA

--TNA releases

--Notes on TNA house shows

--More on UFC 168 PPV numbers and what they say

--Anderson Silva says he wants to return and talks about his condition

--Keith Kizer leaves his post as Executive Director of the Nevada State Athletic Commission

--Death of Mauricio Zingano

--Jones vs. Teixeira fight time and place and more on the fight

--Update on Dominick Cruz

--How tickets are selling for every upcoming UFC event

--UFC 171 PPV card

--More on Matt Brown getting into trouble for comments on women's fighting

--Chael Sonnen vs. Wanderlei Silva notes

--Promotion of UFC 170

--Dan Henderson's contractual situation

--Bigfoot Silva update

--UFC fighter wants to take time off

--UFC pushes for fans to mobilize against state government law

--Lots of new UFC fights

--A look at Bellator's next season events

--Bellator title match causes controversy

New subscribers ordering 24 or 40 issues have to let us know what major stories of the past 11 years you are most interested in and we'll send the issue with the best coverage of that story. We've got coverage of every major PPV event and world wide spectacular, every major star switching promotions, histories of companies like FMW, Rings and New Japan, retirement and obit issues of every major star who fits into those descriptions over the past 11 years, as well as our biggest issue every year, the annual awards issue, and our most controversial issue of every year, the Hall of Fame issue.

Our most requested issues in our history are:

*November 17, 1997 (full details of everything leading to the most famous wrestling match finish of modern times at the Survivor Series plus a history of in-ring double-crosses)

*December 21, 1998 (the complete Vince McMahon-Bret Hart conversation right before the Survivor Series match so you'll know exactly what was said--the conversation played in edited form both on the inaugural broadcast of Confidential as well as in Wrestling with Shadows, but everything that was said between the two about the match that was going to take place that same night)

*August 1, 1994 (the most detailed coverage anywhere of the Vince McMahon steroid trial, an issue praised in numerous newspaper article and Sex, Lies and Headlocks)

*March 26, 2001 (death of WCW and history of pro wrestling on the Turner networks)a

*October 22, 2001 (why the adult audience has left pro wrestling in such great numbers and what needed to have been done to save them)

*April 21, 2003 (history of WWF continues with the expansion nationally, the death of the regional territories and the rise of Hulk Hogan)

*May 12, 2003 (The life and death of Elizabeth and the rise of fall of Lex Luger)

*June 9, 2003 (Part 1 of history of WWF vs. WCW wars and what many say was the greatest year in U.S. wrestling; plus a look at Fred Blassie)

*June 16, 2003 (Freddie Blassie through the eyes of his biggest rivals and friends)

*July 28, 2003 (Part 2 of the history of the WWF vs. WCW war and the plans to make new superstars in the early 90s, what happened, and the night where the three biggest wrestling companies in the world combined for a joint show and what happened)

*August 25, 2003 (2003 Hall of Fame issue with huge profiles on the controversial career of Shawn Michaels, Chris Benoit as well as historical features on Earl Caddock and Francisco Flores)

*September 22, 2003 (Part 3 of the history of the WWF vs WCW war with the seeds that caused the collapse of the industry in the 90s, Zahorian trial, Gulf War controversy, Flair leaves WCW while holding world title and much more)

*October 27, 2003 (The fascinating life of Stu Hart plus the story of Road Warrior Hawk)

*February 23, 2004 (History of Guerrero family with Eddy's win over Brock Lesnar)

*March 1, 2004 (History of WWF continues with the period that brought the company down in early 1992, the mistakes, the real stories and how the business changed)

*March 8, 2004 (History of Wrestlemania, its greatest matches and best and worst shows as voted both by wrestlers and non-wrestlers and Wrestlemania history books)

*July 5, 2004 (A look behind the scenes and Ric Flair's book and his background with Eric Bischoff and Hulk Hogan)

*July 12, 2004 (A look at more on Ric Flair's book and his comments on Bruno Sammartino, Bret Hart and Mick Foley)

*August 16, 2004 (History of the Olympians in pro wrestling)

*August 23, 2004 (2004 Hall of Fame issue and biggest issue of the year with huge profiles on Kazushi Sakuraba, Undertaker, Bob Backlund, Masahiro Chono, Ultimo Dragon, Kurt Angle and Tarzan Lopez--this counts as one issue if you are asking for a free issue, but ordered separately, due to size, is $6 in North America and $7 overseas)

*October 4, 2004 (the life and times of Big Bossman; as well as details of the life and times of one of the most influential men world wide in pro wrestling history, Jim Barnett)

*November 15, 2004 (the full story of what happened between Kurt Angle and Daniel Puder, plus coverage of the most important week in the history of TNA)

*January 24, 2005 (2004 Awards issue, Rock and WWE part company)

*March 14, 2005 (the 50 biggest money players in the history of WWF and a look at their Hall of Fame)

*May 9, 2005 (the life and times of Chris Candido)

*June 20, 2005 (The full story behind Paul Heyman and the death of ECW, as well as coverage of One Night Stand, Hardcore Homecoming and behind the scenes of both shows)

*July 18, 2005 (death of Shinya Hashimoto and his records with a look at the fall of New Japan, the Matt Hardy angle, tons of WWE firings, Cornette firing in detail as well as problems of a WWE developmental territory in our biggest news issue of the year which is a double-sized issue and would be $6 on its own and $7 overseas)

*January 9, 2006 (The life and times of Superstar Billy Graham, plus New Year's Eve 2005 coverage)

*January 16, 2006 (2005 Awards double issue, $6 or $7 overseas)

*April 3, 2006 (Story of Ann Calvello and the history of Roller Derby--many called this the best issue of the Observer ever)

*April 10, 2006 (Behind the scenes at the 2006 Wrestlemania/Hall of Fame week)

*July 24, 2006 (The History of the Von Erichs and World Class Championship Wrestling--the most unreal story ever in wrestling)

*September 4, 2006 (The Rise and Fall of Kurt Angle; 2006 Hall of Fame inductions of Eddie Guerrero, Paul Bowser, Masakatsu Funaki, Aja Kong and Hiroshi Hase including tons of wrestling history around the world from the 20s through the 60s, the evolution of working to not working in Japan, and a look at Guerrero in hindsight, double issue $6 or $7 overseas)

*October 9, 2006 (A look back nine years later at the life and legacy of Brian Pillman with tons of inside information about what made him tick as his real objectives)

*November 15, 2006 (History of WCW part one, Eric Bischoff's book and how the industry was changed forever)

*November 27, 2006 (History of WCW part three, When Bischoff challenged McMahon to fight; Truth and fiction around Bret Hart signing with WCW and why it didn't click)

*December 6, 2006 (details behind Pride's offers to sell promotion and Part four of History of WCW part four, Hogan-Goldberg match and why there was no rematch, WCW loses NBC network deal in 1999 and the real reasons the company fell apart)

*August 11, 2008 (Ric Flair leaves WWE; Updated history of pro wrestlers and MMA fighters who went to the Olympics)

* September 8, 2008 (2008 Hall of Fame double issue, $7 on its own, $8 overseas; part one of Killer Kowalski bio)

* September 15, 2008 (Life and Times of Evan Tanner)

* September 22, 2008 (The amazing career of Killer Kowalski, one of our most in-depth bios)

You can also order any of these issues on their own for $4 in North America or $5 overseas.

Rates are:

For the United States, it is $13 for 4 issues, $32 for 12, $61 for 24, $101 for 40 and $131 for 52. In Canada and Mexico, rates are $14.50 for 4, $35 for 12, $67 for 24, $111 for 40 and $144 or 52. In Europe, you can get the fastest delivery and best rates by sending to
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For the rest of the world, rates are $16.50 for 4, $44 for 12, $85 for 24, $141 for 40 issues and $183 for 52 .

If you order by mail with a check, cash or money order (P.O. Box 1228, Campbell, CA 95009-1228), you can get $1 off in every price range.

We now have available personally autographed copies of Tributes II, our latest book, as well as a DVD that comes with it talking more about the subjects in the book. The book covers the life stories of Lou Thesz, Wahoo McDaniel, Elizabeth, Fred Blassie, Road Warrior Hawk, Andre the Giant, Curt Hennig, Johnny Valentine, Davey Boy Smith, Terry Gordy, Owen Hart, Stu Hart, Gorilla Monsoon, The Sheik and Tim Woods..

To get all of those biographies as back issues of the Observer would be a $60 value today. This is a collection of some of the best Observer articles of the past several years in a hardcover, full-color format that is 239 pages. There is also a foreword by Bret Hart. The book price is $12.95 plus $3.50 for shipping costs in the U.S., $10 for shipping costs to Canada and $12 for shipping costs outside North America. You can order the book the same way you order the newsletter.

THURSDAY'S NEWS UPDATE

--I'm looking for any info on contacting Jeff Leen, who authored the "Queen of the Ring" book.

--Fox Sports Live last night, advertised around Dana White addressing Georges St-Pierre, did 259,000 viewers, the most watched Wednesday show in the history of the nightly show.

--Eddie Edwards & Davey Richards were at the TNA tapings and I believe were already in a segment taped thus far.

--Hulk Hogan is filming a Super Bowl commercial today.

--Daisuke Sekimoto suffered another knee injury and is out of this weekend's shows in Europe, for EWA, wXw and IPW U.K. Prince Devitt will replace him on 1/19 in Tonbridge, Kent against Dave Mastiff. Some tickets remain for the show, which also includes Chris Hero vs. Zack Sabre Jr. Hero will be at a preshow meet and greet. Devitt and Hero will be available after the show to those with VIP tickets. (thanks to Martin Bentlley)

--From live reports at last night's UFC show

*Herschel Walker and Ric Flair were the two big celebrities there to those live, bigger than Shaquille O'Neal. Walker was very nice, taking photos with everyone. Flair was kept away from fans. The two sat together and all the fighters and staff seemed really excited both were there. Flair loved the show and was hanging around with the fighters at the hotel the last few nights.

*Fans were whooing, very audibly, throughout the show, during almost every match. They were going crazy for Walker until Fair arrived.

--For those asking why Flair was there, it's because girlfriend Wendy Barlow lives in Atlanta and he splits time between Central Florida (where daughter Ashley is training) and Atlanta.

--WWE is releasing Ultimate Warrior merchandise as part of their new deal with him that is more extensive than a usual legends contract.

--Dana White on Brock Lesnar coming back: "Do we talk? Yeah, me and Brock talk. I said recently (Brock) said he had some regrets with MMA because he wasn't healthy, because he was going through those stomach problems the whole time he was here. So he has regrets. He told me he thinks a Brock Lesnar who was 100 percent could have done much better. I told him, `you're out of your fucking mind. You came in here with one fight, and you became heavyweight champion."

--White also said that Lesnar fighting again in UFC is "definitely a possibility."

- Myself, Josh Nason, Todd Martin, Oliver Copp, Mike Sawyer, John Pollock, and Front Row Brian were all 4-1 in the UFC picks from Wednesday night, all missing on Lorenz Larkin. Mike Sempervive and Steve Juon were both 3-2, and Lance Storm was 2-3.

--Brock Lesnar will be on the February Raw show in Los Angeles.

--WWE stock closed today at $19.00 a share. That's the highest in ten years. It should stay strong at least until the new TV deal is signed.

--Mick Foley posted that his WWE contract expires soon. Since Saturday Morning Slam was canceled, they are not going to renew him, but have a handshake deal to use him on a case-by-case basis. He said the difference is that his own projects are now the priorities where as before his own projects had to be worked around whatever WWE wanted him to do. He said he still wants to do a WWE produced live show on the network for the 15th anniversary of the release of Have a Nice Day, which comes up soon. Foley's announcement is at https://www.facebook.com/RealMickFoley/posts/760297597333714

ON THIS DAY IN PRO WRESTLING HISTORY

1963 - Dory Funk Jr. beat Gene Kiniski in Amarillo to win the North American title

--Sue Parsons, the star of the documentary "Lovestruck: Wrestling's No. 1 fan," now 62, suffered a broken pelvis, broken ribs and tissue damage in 2012, and suffered a lifelong limp, which saved her life. On Sunday night, she was walking behind her husband, limping, when he was killed in a horrific crash that also killed two other people. I remember meeting Sue Parsons, then Sue Chuter, a longtime subscriber, at a pro wrestling event at the Tokyo Dome in the 90s. (thanks to Leigh Flanigan)

--John Cena was on "Watch What Happens Live" on Brazo last night. He was asked about Nikki Bella. Not breaking kayfabe (Total Divas ended with them in a supposed relationship stalemate) he said that the relationship is complicated but he loves her but they have issues to work out.

--There will be an event in Oshawa, ONT at the General Motors Centre from 1-5 p.m. a they will attempt to set a thumb wrestling world record in order for the arena to get a WWE live event. The old record was 957 people in a continuous chain for five minutes. They want people to come in, dress as their favorite wrestler or bring signs with them to tell them WWE should return to the market.

--Chaotic Wrestling on Friday night in Woburn, MA at the Elks Lodge with Mark Shuman vs. MPG vs. Biff Busick. Slyck Wagner Brown, Matt Taven and Tommaso Ciampa are also on the show.

--Extreme Rising on 2/8 in Pittsburgh at the Irish Centre at 7 p.m. with Stevie Richards vs. Sabu for the world title, Rhino vs. Devon Storm in a falls count anywhere match, Luke Hawx vs. Rich Ortiz, Jay Bradley vs. Papadon, Facade vs. Matt Cross, BLK OUT vs. Dan Maff & Monsta Mack and Balls Mahoney. If you purchase a ticket in the first three rows now you can get 2 free DVDs as well as admission into a preshow Q&A. This offer expires Saturday at www.extremetixs.com